音樂是流動的建築，建築是凝固的音樂

Neue Mitte Lehen- Salzburg

Most people who come to Salzburg visit the old town, and also the house where Mozart was born.

But every place has its so-called secret tip that tourists do not know about.

In the Lehen area of Salzburg there used to be a football stadium. Since this was removed a new area of social infrastructure has been created by the architectural office Halle 1. This office won a European competition, in which 142 architects participated.

They’ve kept the football area where it used to be. This space reminds people of the architecture that was there before. The new buildings are separated into western and eastern parts.

In the western part you can find a multifunctional building with a city library and a panorama bar, which sticks out of the whole complex. During the underground work there was a problem with the structure of the ground, so the engineers had to take special measures to make the foundation strong and stable. On the ground floor there is a lending library and cloakroom for visitors. A red spiral staircase goes all the way up to the second level.

From the first to the third floor are all administration rooms and spaces for books. There is not only a wonderful reading area for children; the library also offers a free piano practice room for them.

Natural light can reach everywhere in the library, and the big glass facade allows the view outside to blend with the indoor area. Of course the whole complex is accessible by wheelchair.

In January of 2009 the library was officially opened. It has a big collection of 150,000 books, DVDs, CDs, and films. After the opening various shops moved in and started business.

To the east side of the building are 48 rental flats, a senior centre and an activity centre. There is a charity organisation called Diakonie Salzburg. It is responsible for a project that gives training to teenagers with disabilities to help them be independent and integrate into society. They have a chance to learn about gastronomy, and later they become one of the catering service with 22 employees, some of whom work in the panorama bar already.

If you want a coffee break in the panorama bar you have to take a special lift! The first time I took the lift I nearly fell as it started to move. The shape of the cabin and the way the lift moves are not vertical; they slant at an angle. It feels like being on a mountain railway. The view from the panorama bar is certainly stunning. You can see the castle in Salzburg and the mountains around the building, even with indicators on the glass wall. As I ordered coffee it reminded me of the coffee place in the Taipei City Hall, where teenagers with Down syndrome work. Those diligent people really touched me. Just remember to speak slowly when you order drinks and they can manage their work.

Like in traditional cafés, they offer various newspapers. Some people like to come up here after borrowing books from the library, to enjoy their books with a drink. Seniors come here regularly to play cards.

The smell of the books, the smell of coffee and a great view. What a fantastic experience!